Markets of the World Series:

Robert Is Here
Homestead, Florida

"The fruit stand's name is "Robert Is Here"...and usually he is. Unless, of course, he’s out in his groves picking tropical delights with which to tempt you.

Fruits like Monstera Deliciosa, which looks like a giant green ear of corn but tastes like banana and pineapple; Carambola, or "Star Fruit"; Mamey; Lychee; Atemoya; Papaya; and in summer, Robert’s pride and joy, MANGOS. Local travelers cheerfully discover he'll cut them up for you to eat as you wander through the jars of jellies and preserves, many made from his mother’s recipes.

As a farmer specializing in tropical fruits, Robert's been in business since the age of 7 (no kidding - and what a story!), Robert has 40 years of experience delighting visitors from all over the world." (from the "Robert Is Here" website.)

Robert Moehling keeps farm stand traditions alive, like adding up the sale on a paper bag.
Before you become his employee, you have to pass a math test--all sales
are "rung up" this way. Can you tell Robert loves his work?.
His smile connects with every customer.

Robert's family is involved. This is one of several family photos displayed at the stand.

There's usually a line for the tropical fruit milkshake...
but people don't seem to mind. (photo source)

Regular flavors here, seasonal specials get another board!

Mostly made from fresh local fruit, the milkshakes
sometimes use fruit frozen in advance, because the stand is so busy.

From left: Key Lime, Tamarind and Mamey.

Robert's farm stand has been introducing tropical fruits to people from
around the world for over 40 years. You can always get a sample of whatever intrigues you.
Robert sliced in half a bunch of these passion fruits, just after we took this photo--
he offered them around and slurped up six himself.

Once you decide to buy anything unfamiliar, you get complete
instructions on when and how to eat it. In the case of these canastel fruit,
the advice was to notice when they are practically oozing with ripeness and
when you think they are officially rotten. Then--wait one more day, and eat.

A few last minute customers are tended to, even if it means going into the cooler and
getting some smaller zuchinni for a particular local chef on deadline.
The staff replenishes stock and rebuilds fruit pyramids before going calling it a day.

From Rob's Redland Riot: a fruity, tropical history tour down south

He started out with a little card table, a few cucumbers and a sign proclaiming “Robert Is Here” and now, more than 40 years later, the world has beat a path to Robert Moehling’s door.

You can’t get to the southern entrance of Everglades National Park without passing this world famous roadside attraction. Stopping here to admire the cornucopia of genuine Florida goodies is a right of passage for those that make the trek from down the street or half way around the world.

The tropical fruit milkshakes, the flavored honeys, the incredible selection of jams and jellies, the completely unique and original sauces, the fresh produce, the most extensive selection of exotic fruits and vegetables... is all here. Perhaps a bit overwhelming at first, take your time browsing the shelves to appreciate the depth and breadth of Robert’s copious offerings, then load up on all your favorites. You might have to stand in line to get one, but I'd say the key lime milkshake here is well worth the wait.

In addition to citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, tangelos and tangerines, Robert sells more than twenty other fruits. Depending on the time of year you may find anon (sugar apple), atemoya, avocado, canestel (egg fruit), carambola (star fruit), Florida sweet onions, kumquat, key lime, lime, longan, lychee, mamey, mango, monstera, papaya, passion fruit, sapodilla, sapote (black), strawberries, sugar cane, tamarind and water coconut.

Out back of the fruit stand, Robert features his own little zoo of sorts, including emus, donkeys, goats, parrots, honeybees, chickens, geese and tortoises. On the weekends, they feature live music and have a few antique cars on display. One gentleman will be happy to show you the original owners manual and bill of sale his vintage 20s era Ford.

Robert is Here

19200 SW 344th St. Homestead, FL 33034 Phone: 305-246-1592